DEVIATE Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'deviate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of deviate are depart , digress , diverge , swerve , and veer . While all these words mean "to turn aside from a straight course," deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course. // never deviated from her daily routine

Q: When is it sensible to use 'depart' instead of 'deviate'?

Although the words depart and deviate have much in common, depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type. // occasionally departs from his own guidelines

Q: When is 'digress' a more appropriate choice than 'deviate'?

While the synonyms digress and deviate are close in meaning, digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse. // a professor prone to digress

Q: How do 'diverge' and 'depart' relate to one another, in the sense of 'deviate'?

Diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions. // after school their paths diverged

Q: When can 'swerve' be used instead of 'deviate'?

The words swerve and deviate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness. // swerved to avoid hitting the dog

Q: When might 'veer' be a better fit than 'deviate'?

In some situations, the words veer and deviate are roughly equivalent. However, veer implies a major change in direction. // at that point the path veers to the right

deviate 1 of 3

adjective

ˈdē-vē-ət

Definition of deviate next

as in abnormal

departing from some accepted standard of what is normal the mother's deviate response to her child's death aroused suspicions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deviate

2 of 3

noun

ˈdē-vē-ət

as in pervert

a person who has sunk below the normal moral standard a sleazy bar that seemed to be an informal clubhouse for deviates

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

saint

deviate

3 of 3

verb

ˈdē-vē-ˌāt

as in to turn

to change one's course or direction sailors forced to deviate from their course in order to avoid the storm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb deviate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of deviate are depart, digress, diverge, swerve, and veer. While all these words mean "to turn aside from a straight course," deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course.

never deviated from her daily routine

When is it sensible to use depart instead of deviate?

Although the words depart and deviate have much in common, depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type.

occasionally departs from his own guidelines

When is digress a more appropriate choice than deviate?

While the synonyms digress and deviate are close in meaning, digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse.

a professor prone to digress

How do diverge and depart relate to one another, in the sense of deviate?

Diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions.

after school their paths diverged

When can swerve be used instead of deviate?

The words swerve and deviate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness.

swerved to avoid hitting the dog

When might veer be a better fit than deviate?

In some situations, the words veer and deviate are roughly equivalent. However, veer implies a major change in direction.

at that point the path veers to the right

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of deviate

Adjective

Her pitch was simple: Homosexuality is a sin, and if homosexuals were given carte blanche to glamorize their ‘deviate lifestyle’ in Miami-area classrooms, the American family would be destroyed and the American way of life would disappear. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025 Aggravating circumstances: Rape/criminal deviate conduct, on probation or parole, mutilation/torture. —

Tim Evans, Indianapolis Star, 31 Jan. 2014

Noun

The map shows how far the night skies in different parts of the world deviate from natural sky brightness. —

Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2016 But despite the stress on the program, Campbell didn’t deviate from his core values — choosing redshirt sophomore quarterback Hunter Dekkers over anyone from the portal. —

Dallas News, 14 July 2022

Verb

Countries agree to abide by those rules but are allowed to deviate from them for issues of national security. —

Geoffrey Gertz, Foreign Affairs, 6 Feb. 2025 Thibodeau emphasized patience, maintaining that the team won’t deviate from its cautious approach. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deviate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deviate

Adjective

Amyloidosis is a rare disease where bone marrow produces an abnormal protein called amyloid, according to the University of Kansas Cancer Center.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
In darker skin tones, abnormal paleness may be easier to detect in the inner mouth and lining of the eyes.5 4.

— Isabel Vasquez RD LDN, Health, 4 Feb. 2025

Definition of abnormal

Cite this Entry

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“Deviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deviate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 19 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of deviate

adjective

noun

verb

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